Highlights: Kigali Arrival, Akagera National Park Game Drive

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your experienced 8-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour guide who will assist with your transfer to Akagera National Park. Located in the eastern part of Rwanda, this park offers an unforgettable introduction to Rwanda’s diverse wildlife. The drive from Kigali takes around 2.5 hours, giving you the chance to view the stunning scenery that surrounds Rwanda’s lush hills and picturesque landscapes.

Upon arrival in Akagera, you’ll check into your lodge before embarking on an exciting game drive. Akagera National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and an abundance of antelope species. It is also famous for its rich birdlife, so bird watchers will enjoy spotting species like the papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, and the rare shoebill stork.

The game drive will give you a close look at Akagera‘s thriving wildlife populations and set the tone for your 8-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour ahead. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your lodge, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the park.

Highlights: Full-Day Game Drive, Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Begin your second day with an early breakfast and head back into Akagera National Park for a morning game drive. This time, you’ll explore different areas of the park to spot the iconic species that call it home, such as lions, leopards, and rhinos, which were reintroduced to the park. Keep your camera ready for the chance to capture breathtaking scenes of wildlife in their natural habitats.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This serene waterway is home to hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. The boat cruise offers an exceptional perspective of the park, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Akagera from a different vantage point. The calm waters reflect the lush greenery, creating a peaceful experience to contrast the thrill of the earlier game drive.

Following the cruise, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the exciting day you’ve had. Dinner will be served in the lodge’s restaurant, offering delicious local and international cuisine.

Highlights: Kigali City Tour, Historical and Cultural Experiences

After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the scenic road transfer back to Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering a chance to admire the rural landscapes of Rwanda and observe local life along the way.

Upon arriving in Kigali, you’ll check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, you will embark on a Kigali city tour. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history. Your 8-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour will include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which honors the victims of the 1994 genocide and serves as an educational center about Rwanda’s history.

You will also visit the Kimironko Market, a bustling local market offering crafts, fresh produce, and an authentic Rwandan shopping experience. Strolling through the city will give you a glimpse into the daily lives of Kigali’s residents, and the city’s cultural vibrancy will leave you inspired.

In the evening, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the city further or enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal at a local restaurant.

Highlights: Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe, Kanyaru Coffee Plantation Visit

After breakfast, depart from Kigali for a scenic road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, passing through scenic hills and valleys that showcase the beauty of Rwanda’s rural landscapes.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Kanyaru Coffee Plantation, where you will learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting coffee in Rwanda. The plantation tour offers an opportunity to see firsthand how the beans are grown, harvested, and processed before being turned into the delicious coffee that Rwanda is known for.

After the 8-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour, you can relax in the serene environment of your lodge, taking in the natural beauty of Nyungwe Forest.

Highlights: Chimpanzee Tracking, Nyungwe Forest Nature Walk

Today’s adventure begins with an early breakfast before heading out for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and you’ll have the opportunity to trek through the forest with an experienced guide to locate these fascinating primates in their natural environment. The trek can vary in difficulty, but the experience of encountering these intelligent creatures up close is unforgettable.

In the afternoon, after a thrilling chimpanzee encounter, you’ll return to your lodge for some well-earned relaxation. You can unwind in the beautiful surroundings of Nyungwe, perhaps taking a walk on one of the park’s scenic trails. Nyungwe offers a wealth of flora and fauna, making it the perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Highlights: Scenic Transfer to Volcanoes, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit

After breakfast, you will check out of your Nyungwe lodge and begin the road transfer to Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering picturesque views of rolling hills and lush valleys. Upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park, check into your accommodation for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization dedicated to the conservation of mountain gorillas. This visit will give you a deeper understanding of the pioneering work done by Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist, in saving the mountain gorillas from extinction. The Fund’s headquarters is located near the park, and you’ll have a chance to learn about their ongoing conservation efforts and the challenges faced by gorillas in the wild.

After the visit, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening in the peaceful atmosphere of Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights: Gorilla Trekking Adventure, Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your 8-Day Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour – gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will be escorted to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your trek. The park is home to several families of mountain gorillas, and the trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

The experience of trekking through the dense jungle, surrounded by misty volcanic peaks, and encountering these incredible creatures in the wild is awe-inspiring. The gorillas are habituated to human presence, allowing for intimate moments with these majestic animals. Spend time observing their social interactions, watching them feed, play, and rest.

After your trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and an afternoon of relaxation. You can unwind, reflect on your gorilla trekking experience, and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights: Golden Monkey Tracking, Kigali Departure

On your final day, you’ll enjoy golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are smaller than gorillas but equally captivating. The trek is typically shorter than the gorilla trek, offering an enjoyable way to conclude your adventure. Observing golden monkeys in their natural habitat is a unique experience, and you may also have the chance to spot other wildlife along the way.

After the golden monkey tracking, you will return to your lodge for lunch before transferring back to Kigali for your departure. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, and upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.